Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, Ramsey Co., Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1905, 1887-07-23
CHAPTER XXI.
ON THE ROAD.

ON THE o
They had just finished their meal. and were
about to leave the table,, when suddenly the
door opened, and who should appear at it but
Frank Muller himself. There was no mis-.
take about him; there he stood, strokinue his
long, golden beard, as big, as handsome, and,
to Jess mind, as evil looking as ever. The
cold eyes fell upon John with a glance of rec
ognirion, and then something like a smile be-
gun to play round the corners of the fine cut.
cruel mouth. Suddenly, however, his gaze
Ut upon the two Beers, one of whom was
picking his teeth with a steel fork and the
other lighting his pipe within O few inches of
Jess'head, and instantly his face grew stern
and angry.
"Nhat did l tell you two men?" he said;
That you were not to eat with the prisoners"
this word struck awkwardly on Jess earl.
X told you that they were to be treated with
oil respect, and here find you sprawling over
the table and smoking in their faces. Be off
with you"
The smooth faced man with the tusk rose
at once with a sigh, put down tho steel fork
with which he had been operating and de-
parted, recognizing that Meinheer Muller
was not a commanding officer to be triaed
with; but his companion, the vilderbeeste,
demurred. sWhat," he said, tossing his head
so as to throw the long black hair out of his
eyes, IAN l not fit to sit at meat with q
couple of accursed English-a rooibaatje and
n woman? II l had my way he should clean
my boots and she should cut up my tobacco
and he grinned at the notion till eyebrows,
whiskers and mustache all nearly met round
his nose, making him look for all the world
like q hairy faced baboon.
Frank Muller made no answer in words.
He simply took n step forward, pounced
upon his insubordinate follower, and with a
single swing of his athletic frame sent him
flying headlong through the door, so that the
free and independent burgher lit upon his
head i'll the passage, smashing his pipe and
considerably damaging his best feature-his
nose. There" said Muller, shutting the door
after him, that is the only way to deal with
a fellow like that. And now let me bid you
good day, Miss jess" and he extended his
hand, which jess took, rather coldly it must
be owned.
sit has given mo great pleasure to be able
to do you this little service" he added, po-
litely. II had considerable difficulty in get
ting the pass from the general-indeed, l was
obliged to urge my personal services before
he would give it to me. But, never mind
that, l did get it, as you know, and it will be
my care to escort you safely to Mooifon-
tein."
jess bowed, and Muller turned to John,
who had risen from his chair and was stand
ing some two PAGES from him, and addressed
him:
"Capt. Mel" he said, "you and l have had
some differences in the past. hope that the
service I am doing you will prove that I, for
one, bear no malice. l will go further. As
told you before, l was to blame in that
affair in the inn yard at Wakkerstroom. Let
us shake hands and end what we cannot
mend" and he stepped forward and extended
his hand.
jess turned to see what would happen.
She knew the whole story, n hoped III
would not take the mans hand; then, remem.
bering their position. she hoped he would.
John turned color a little, and then deliber-
ately drew himself up and put his hand be-
hind his back.
Il nm very sorry, Mr.. Muller" he said,
"but even i'll our present position l cannot
shake hands with you; you well know why
jess saw a flush of the furious passion, which
was his weak point, spread itself over the
Beers face.
81 do not know, Capt. Mel. Be SO good as
to explain"
"Very well, 1 WILL" said John. calmly.
"You tried to assassinate me-"
"What do You mean?" Numbered Muller.
what l say. You shot at me twice under
preterse of firing at a buck. Look here!'-
and he took up his soft black hat, which
he still had-"herc is the mark of one of your
bullets! / did not know about it then; l do
now, and l decline to shake hands with you"
By thist time Muller's fury had got the better
of him. "You shall answer for that, you
English liar!' he said, at the same time
clapping his hand to his belt, in which his
hunting knife was placed. Thus for a few
seconds they stood face to face. John never